Unmissable art shows this summer

With the British summer being its usual self (read: unreliable), here is a list of indoor art exhibitions in London to lift your spirits on the gloomy grey days. There’s something for everyone – from the vibrant Blue Rider painters at the Tate Modern to the pensive portraits at The National Portrait Gallery.

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Royal Academy of Art, until 18th August

For me, nothing sends the message that summer is finally upon us more than the opening of the RA’s Summer Exhibition. A feast for the eyes, over a thousand works of art adorn the brightly coloured walls of the Burlington House main galleries – some by leading contemporary artists, but many by emerging new talents too.

This year, sculptor Ann Christopher RA – with the help of her committee of leading British artists and architects – has curated the selection of paintings, prints and sculptures, with all of them available for purchase. Some pieces are available for under £250, making it the perfect place to spot something affordable and kick-start your collection – or hunt for a unique gift for a special friend. Sales from the Summer Exhibition support the exhibiting artists and the RA's charitable work.

Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520–1920
Tate Britain, until 13th October

This ambitious exhibition spans over four centuries, presenting works by female artists who use a diverse range of mediums to break down conventions. The earliest examples are the painted miniatures from the Tudor Court by Levina Teerlinc, which provide a remarkable springboard from which you can witness the development of diverse concurrent styles and the changing ambitions of female artists. Having seen the exhibition, you will no doubt leave understanding just how important each of these artists was in creating a platform for each new generation to experiment and grow.

Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider
Tate Modern, until 20th October

This momentous exhibition brings together a huge selection of works by some of the 20th century’s key artists. It’s the first time in over six decades that these works have been seen in the UK – which is possible because of the generosity of Munich’s Lenbachhaus, which offered Tate unprecedented access to its collection.

Der Blaue Reiter (the Blue Rider) was a Munich-based circle of artists who, during the early years of the 1900s, were propelled to fame for their daring experimentations with colour theory. The name of their group stems from a specific painting by the forerunner Wassily Kandinsky, who created a striking composition of a blue-caped figure galloping on horseback through the countryside. Their works combined unexpected colours with dream-like symbolism to create fantastical scenes.

The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award
National Portrait Gallery, until 27th October

The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award returns for another year to the National Portrait Gallery. Bringing to light the best in contemporary portrait painting, this prestigious competition – which has been running for over 40 years – is open to anyone over the age of 19. This year, three artists have been shortlisted for the 2024 prize from over 1,600 entries: Isabella Watling with Zizi (2023), Antony Williams with Jacqueline with Still Life (2020) and Catherine Chambers with Lying (2020). However, you’ll also have the chance to see the other entries from this year.

The Shape of Things: Still Life in Britain
Pallant House Gallery, until 20th October

As a genre, still life may, for some, feel outdated or ‘too quaint’. However, this exhibition highlights the distinct developments in its depiction since the 17th-century vanitas paintings you might initially associate the subject matter with. Some recent examples included in the show are Patrick Caulfield’s bubble gum-coloured still-life paintings and Richard Hamilton’s cheeky collages. But what many might find interesting to trace in almost all the depictions are the symbolic meanings beneath the simple quotidian scenes – all ready to be uncovered.

NAOMI: In Fashion
The V&A, until 6th April 2025

Naomi Campbell has become a true fashion icon over the years, solidifying her status as one of the most famous supermodels of our time – as well as, more recently, as an activist. She became the first Black model to be featured on the cover of British Vogue and now, after a 40-year prolific career, she is being honoured with a dedicated exhibition at London’s V&A Museum. It showcases recognisable pieces she had worn on runways, alongside photographs curated by former Vogue editor Edward Enninful.

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks
Lightroom, until 13th October

Space lovers and science geeks: this is the perfect experience for you. And it’s suitable for the whole family. Immerse yourself in a 52-minute film, narrated by Hollywood great Tom Hanks, who will lead you through the dramatic minutes leading up to the moon landing as well as retelling of the Apollo space mission. The huge screen powerfully conveys the sense of wonder and awe of the ‘giant leap for mankind’. So, if you are looking for an out-of-this-world experience to take the kids to this summer holiday, this needs to be on your list.

Henry Moore: Shadows on the Wall
Courtauld Gallery, until 22nd September

Henry Moore (1898–1986) was one of the most important British sculptors of the 20th century, known for his biomorphic forms that teeter on the edge of abstraction and figuration. However, during The Blitz (1940–1941), Moore created one of his most renowned series of drawings, recording the terrifying experiences of the civilians hiding in London’s underground stations to escape the nightly bombardments.

Shadows on the Wall shows just how masterfully Moore was able to create a sense of unease, tension, and claustrophobia in the tightly packed tunnels. Using the curved brick walls to frame his compositions, you feel the space closing in on its inhabitants, whilst the dark, hashed lines create an uneasy pulse. In this way, we do not just gain a glimpse into the physical experience of these strangers huddled together under the city of London, but also understand the emotions and struggles they suffered through.

Fragile Beauty
The V&A, until 5th January 2025

Coinciding with the exhibition on Naomi Campbell, the V&A is also hosting a show based on another cultural icon: Sir Elton John. Over 300 photographs from the private collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish are now on view for the rest of the year, making this the biggest temporary photography exhibition the museum has ever staged. Many of these photos have never been shown in public and give an intimate glimpse into the glamorous world of music, whilst others focus on important political events, the male form, and even still lifes. Some of the most important photographers of our time are represented in it – including Cindy Sherman and Nan Goldin.

Barbie: The Exhibition
The Design Museum, until 23rd February 2025

This one is for adults as much as it is for children: an exhibition about the most famous toy ever created. Coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand (and off the back of the hugely successful film), this exhibition will explore fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicle design associated with the phenomenon that is Barbie. Two truly special inclusions in the exhibition are a rare first edition of the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959, and the best-selling Barbie of all time, 1992’s Totally Hair Barbie, which sold over 10 million units around the world).

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